brown butter peanut butter crispy treats + a bake sale for Noah

I consider myself to be a pretty healthy person: That is to say, I don’t have a chronic illness, I haven’t been seriously sick (as in, best buds with my bed for a few days) in a long time and I haven’t been hospitalized since I was a youth getting my tonsils taken out. I count my blessings for this every day — especially because I’m a total wimp when I have even the slightest cold.

My mom, on the other hand? She’s had all three things happen to her in the last month.

You see, my sweet mama, she has had a rough go of it on the medical side of things for the last decade or so. She’s had countless diagnoses of strange diseases, all manner of tests, several surgeries and yada yada yada — I could go on and on. It can take a serious toll on a family, emotionally and otherwise.

But my mom, she’s a fighter. I mean in some ways, yes, she’s exhausted — she’s pretty darn sick and tired of seeing the walls of a hospital — but she still has so much heart and fight in her. I’m constantly amazed by her dedication to being well again, to not give up, to keep going. I think a lot of it has to do with her stubborn personality (don’t even deny it, Mom) but I also think part of it comes from all the encouragement, love and support she receives from family and friends. And I think being so blessed to not have to struggle to pay medical expenses helps, too.

So when I read on my friend Steph’s blog about a little boy named Noah whose family discovered that his diagnosis of severe autism will unexpectedly cost them more than $1,000 immediately, and up to $30,000 a year for therapy, I knew this family needed two things: Financial support, and extreme love and encouragement from as many people as possible. You can read their full story here.

Dear Steph was kind enough to take on the task of hosting an online bake sale for Noah and his family to get them the funds they need to help pay the exorbitant medical bills they will incur for Noah’s autism treatment, and she invited food bloggers to participate by donated baked goods to the cause. So here I am, bearing these brown butter peanut butter crispy treats in hopes that, even in some small way, they can bring to Noah and his family the support they need.

So, friends, if you feel so inclined, head over to Steph’s Bite by Bite today (Wednesday) and bid on these bars, or any other baked good you fancy. You get a tasty treat, and Noah’s family gets stronger in their heart and fight for their little boy, to not give up, to keep going. Everybody wins.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter, stirring constantly, until just browned. Stir in mini marshmallows, peanut butter and salt until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in crispy rice cereal until well coated. Transfer mixture to a greased 8-by-8-inch square pan; using spatula or lightly greased fingers, press down firmly and evenly into bottom and sides of pan.

Let mixture set for at least 30 minutes before cutting into 9 square bars. Bars will stay fresh, individually wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 4 days.

I knew the second I read your post title that it was going to make me cry. My heart goes out to Noah and your mom. Thanks so much for sharing your talent to help other people. You truly are an inspiration! xoxo

Oh it must be so hard when tragedy strikes in a family. All we can do is hope that things can turn around and make the best of what comes. I wish that your mum’s cause goes well.
You are very special to do this bake sale; it shows you have a lot of heart.

I’m so sorry to hear how difficult it has been for your mom, she sounds like an incredible woman, though! It is so sad that Noah’s family doesn’t have the money / insurance to cover all of their medical costs. I hope we are able to raise a ton of funds for them!

My parents have both struggled with various health issues the past few years and I totally understand the toll it can take on a family. Glad to hear your momma is a fighter and you have lots of love and support around you! I’m heading over to Steph’s blog now to check out all the sweet treats!

Oh Steph, what a sweet post. I’m sorry to hear about your mom, she sounds like an incredible woman. My heart goes out to Noah and his family and that’s so wonderful that you are helping them to raise money and thank you so much for sharing his story with us. – heading over now

I love that you all did this to raise money for Noah! Rice crispy treats are definitely a great choice, and with peanut butter and browned butter, amazing! I am so sorry to hear what your mom is going through. Thinking of you and your mom 🙂

Lots of good thoughts for your mom and family too, my mom has issues with her kidneys and one thing seemed to lead to another with the illnesses. She’s in great health now, but it’s stress stress stress while someone you care about is sick.

1. Positive thoughts and good vibes to your momma!!
2. You are awesome to participate in this bake sale. You’re an inspiration!
3. Positive thoughts and good vibes to Noah and his family!
4. I love seeing that browned butter and PB can help heal the world! 😉

Your poor mama, thinking about her, little Noah and his family. Just a sad and hard thing to go through, it’s so sweet of you to do something like this. I’ll head over to Stephanie’s blog to check out!

Aw, fellow chronic disease-r over here feeling for your mom. Being diagnosed is tough in a lot of ways. I’ll be praying for her. You’re awesome to take part in the bake sale and to help bring attention where it is due. 🙂

You’re such a sweetheart for doing this <3 the crispy treats just sound amazing. So sorry your mother has gone through all these medical issues..I feel like I'm the same way sometimes with my chronic illness! Hugs to you all!

I can sympathize with what you’ve gone through with your mom. My grandma was in the hospital for the last month with what felt like one set back after another. All we can do is have hope and pray the next day will be better than the last!

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Not knowing what’s wrong has to be so frustrating but I hope she gets better soon.
It was so sweet of you to participate in the bake sale for Noah too. Hopefully they get enough to help them get by for a while.